Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1965 (SND Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1823-1830, 1882-1920
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‡MEM, n., v. Gen.Sc. variant of Eng. ma'am, madame.
I. n. Used vocatively as a respectful form of address.Sc. 1823 Lockhart Reg. Dalton I. 200:
I have no doubt, a very fair action will lie, mem.Sc. 1830 Scott H. Midlothian Intro.:
She said, "Mem, have ye na far mair reason to be happy than me".Sc. 1893 Stevenson Catriona vii.:
"I'm come after my saxpence, mem", said I.Abd. 1920 R. H. Calder Gleanings I. 9:
Good luck to yer coos, mem; will ye gie me a drink o' watter?
II. v. To address as mem in a flattering or ingratiating manner.Lth. 1882 P. McNeill Preston 92:
He mem'd me this and mem'd me that.Ayr. 1889 H. Johnston Glenbuckie v.:
"Indeed, mem." . . . "Ye needna "mem" me . . . I'm a common body."
